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A pair of hands type on a laptop. Next to them sit a cell phone, a pile of court records in manila folders, and a box of paper. A pair of hands type on a laptop. Next to them sit a cell phone, a pile of court records in manila folders, and a box of paper.

Politics

New transparency for Mass. governor, lawmakers? Here’s how we plan to test it.

Following the passage of Massachusetts' new public records ballot question, The Shoestring decided to brainstorm what we hope to obtain from the governor and...

24 hours ago
Andrea James holds a microphone close to her face, a her white necklace standing out against a black shirt underneath a black suit coat. She appears to be listening to a question, staring into the crowd.

Politics

Massachusetts independents aim to win over frustrated voters

Several independent and third-party candidates will be on the ballot in western Massachusetts on Tuesday at a time when Gallup found that a record-high...

October 31, 2026
The Massachusetts Statehouse is illuminated by the sun, it's brick walls and gold dome brightly lit against a backdrop of blue sky.

Politics

Question 1 promises Massachusetts transparency. Will lawmakers resist?

In Massachusetts, the state's often-criticized public records law doesn't cover the Legislature or governor's office. Ballot Question 1 could change that, but some are...

October 28, 2026
A white, a-frame sign sits in front of Northampton City Hall, a red arrow pointing to the building. "Voting 2nd floor City Hall" it reads.

Politics

There is no easy answer to Massachusetts Ballot Question 3

The private equity-backed initiative would scrap party primaries in state elections. But would it solve the problem of apathy and Democratic dominance?

October 22, 2026

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